Chevrolet · Tahoe · 2004
5
Recalls
466
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe has 5 recalls and 466 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: electrical system (185 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Remedy Status
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy Status
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy Status
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy Status
FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
My Tahoe has the New Process 246GM transfer case. They have a known issue called pump rub where the pump is to close to the magnesium shell, and rubs pin holes in the shell which causes fluid to dissipate over time causing the transfer case to run dry burning it up. I've had a mechanic check it out and there was no fluid in the case, and now I have a transfer case that's burned up. I've called a transmission shop, and they told me it was a common issue. I would like for general motors to correct this issue
The contact's spouse owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and remained extended to the floorboard. The contact engaged the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. Additionally, the contact stated that while parked, the brake pedal was depressed, and brake fluid was squirting onto the ground from underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while inspecting the coils under the hood, he noticed that the master cylinder brake lines were leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the master cylinder brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,500. The VIN was unavailable.
MY2004 CHEVY TAHOE LT WAS MOVING WHEN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF WHICH CAUSE BAD GAS MILEAGE AND SLOW TAKE OFFS.
BRAKES NOT WORKING WHEN PRESSED CAUSED AN ACCIDENT
THE TAHOE USED AS OUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDICAL TRUCK WAS SPEWING FUEL FROM ABOVE THE GAS TANK. WE DROPPED THE TANK AND FOUND THE LINES ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK RUSTED SEVERELY TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED ON A MEDICAL RUN WITH THE ENGINE IDLING.
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO COMPLAINT # 11327456 THE ADDRESS AND THE MPH ARE INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT # AFFECTED PARTS: STEERING, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, ELEC, STABILITY CONTROL AND SPEED CONTROL THIS SITE WOULDN'T LET ME CHECK MORE THAN 3. *TR
THERE IS A RECALL #04004. "BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE" BUT MY VIN# IS NOT ON THE LIST. OVER 64,000 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED AND THERE IS A "#1" ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE. ALL OF THE UNITS DETECTED A MACHINING ERROR IN THE RELIEF BORE CAVITY FOR MODULES PRODUCED FROM A MACHINE IDENTIFIED AS "FADAL #1" THIS CAN AND HAS CAUSED MY 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE TO HAVE NO POWER ASSIST WITH MY STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF HOLDING TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A RED LIGHT. AND CAN NOT OPERATE IN SMALL SPACES SUCH AS PARKING GARAGES AND CERTAIN PARKING STALLS. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING MORE THAT I CAN DO IN REGARDS TO THIS PARTICULAR RECALL AND FIND OUT IF THERE IS SOME MISTAKE AS FAR AS MY VIN# NOT BEING RECOGNIZED BUT YET EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE FOR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE NO POWER ASSIST AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT...I WANT TO SEE ABOUT RECEIVING SOME AID IN ALL THIS. THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE SINCE AUGUST OF 2019. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE WORK FOR A LACK OF TRANSPORTATION. MY CREDIT HAS FALLEN BEHIND BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK AND SPENDING MY SAVINGS ON TRYING TO GUESS AT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. FOR IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. NOW THAT THE COVID-19 IS HERE IS A DOUBLE WHAMY! IN DIRE STRAITS - CALI LOVIN MY 4X4 - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TEN MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW FACILITY. IT WAS UNKNOWN YET IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, "STABILITY SYSTEM DISABLED- SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OUT OF A DRIVE-THRU AREA OF A BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH AND A KID RAN OUT BETWEEN TWO CARS AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY PARTIALLY FAILED. THE TRUCK EVENTUALLY STOPPED, BUT IMMEDIATELY GOT A BRAKE FAILURE WARNING AND I HAD TO HOLD THE PEDDLE TO THE WALL TO STOP THE REMAINING MILE OR SO HOME. I GET HOME AND LOOK UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR TO INVESTIGATE A PUDDLE AND I SEE SMOKE WHERE THE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD BEEN SPRAYING BRAKE FLUID ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THOUGHT FOR SURE THE TRUCK WAS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE BRAKES WERE JUST SERVICED, PADS AND ROTORS A YEAR OR SO AGO, SO I HAD NO CLUE THE LINES WERE BAD. JUST GOT HOME TO SEARCH ON THIS AND SEE THAT THE NHTSA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING THIS, BUT NOT MUCH HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS SINCE 2014. VERY DISTRESSING. SEEMS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS BEEN DONE IS GM IS OFFERING THE REPLACEMENT LINES FOR SALE, BUT NO MENTION THAT THE DEALERS WANT $2,000 OR MORE TO INSTALL THEM?? I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT THIS KID IS STILL ALIVE AND WE BOTH DID NOT HAVE TO ENDURE A DEATH DUE TO THE CLOSE CALL. HOWEVER, I'M EXTREMELY DISTURBED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MILLIONS OF THESE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE WITH THIS TICKING TIME BOMB. EVERY SINGLE SUCH AFFECTED TRUCK WILL EVENTUALLY RUN INTO THE SAME ISSUE, AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET KILLED. GM IS CLEARLY NOT ADDRESSING THIS OR EVEN WARNING PEOPLE OF THE HIDDEN PROBLEM. WHY WON'T YOU GUYS DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BIG PROBLEM? YOU'VE KNOW ABOUT THIS FOR 4 YEARS AND NOTHINGS BEEN DONE? I'M SHOCKED, THAT GM HAS BEEN ABLE TO AVOID ALL RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO A MFRS DEFECT BY USING CHEAP AND INFERIOR PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT HOLD UP IN THE NORTHERN CLIMATES. COATED BRAKE LINES SHOULD BE MANDATED!!! JUST CAME BACK FROM THE NEXT PAGE TO QUALIFY: NO CRASH - BY ABOUT 1 FOOT. NO FIRE - VERY LUCKY. NO INJURY/FATALITY - THIS VERY CLOSE! I WOULD LIKE A CALL BACK.
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE PEDAL STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR MAIN BRAKE LINE MIDWAY OF THE TRUCK COMPLETELY BLEW APART MY SON JUST DROVE 2 HOURS PULLED IN THE DRIVEWAY I WENT TO MOVE HIS CAR THANK GOODNESS PUT THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND FLUID WAS EVERYWHERE I HAVE READ THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A 1 + 1,000 ON CHEVY TRUCKS HOWEVER I HAVE PURCHASED A CHEVY 2005 TAHOE 1 YEAR DIFFERENCE AND THIS WEEKEND THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TRAVELING BACK FROM A WEEKEND AWAY AND COMPLETE BRAKE LINE FAILURE BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY BUSTED HALFWAY DOWN AND FLUID EVERYWHERE SO I GUESS I AM TOO IN 2000 SEEMS A LITTLE COINCIDENTAL I AM IN OHIO AND I HAVE READ ABOUT THE SALT BRINE AND EVERYTHING HOWEVER I HAVE ONE OF THE CLEANEST TRUCKS AROUND WE ARE DETAIL FREAKS EVERY ONE OF OUR CARS IS TAKEN CARE OF SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THESE YEARS OF TAHOES AND IT'S GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY ONCE AGAIN WE WERE ON A TWO-HOUR TRIP HOME STOP TO USE THE BATHROOM THE NEXT TIME WE HIT THE BRAKES THEY WERE TOTALLY GONE HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP AND PULL OVER WE FEEL THE DIVINE INTERVENTION ON BOTH INCIDENCES AND ARE BLESSED THAT SOMEONE WAS LOOKING OUT FOR US AND IT SURE WASN'T CHEVY
BRAKE LINE RUSTED. LOST FLUID AND BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 53 YEARS. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE.
WAS AT CHEVY DEALER TO LOOK FOR A NEW CAR, WHEN LEAVING PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PEDEL WENT TO THE FLOOR GOT OUT AND FOUND FLUID ON GROUND UNDER DRIVER SIDE. DEALER EXAMINED AND FOUND BLOWN BRAKE LINE, AND SAID ALL LINES WERE IN BAD SHAPE AND NEED TO REPLACE AT A COST OF $4200. HAD THEM REPLACE ONLY ONES THAT WERE LEAKING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE HEARD LOTS OF PROBLEMS FROM OTHER PEOPLE. CHEVY SHOULD BE CORRECTING THESE ISSUES.
WHILE RUNNING THE AC WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED, THE AC TEMPERATURE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SWITCH TO WARM AIR. THIS IS WITH THE AC BUTTON PUSH ON WITH THE UNIT WORKING PROPERLY. IF YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN IT WOULD RESET AND WORK AGAIN. BUT SHORTY AFTER IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN
BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED AND LEAKING. COMPLETELY RUSTED FROM FRONT TO BACK... I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.
ON 11-11-15 I WAS SITTING AT AN ATM WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. LIMPED TO OUR MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE LINES AT A COST OF $580. ON 5-28-17 MY HUSBAND HAD PULLED INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE AND WAS LETTING MY SON OUT OF THE VEHICLE, HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND YET AGAIN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. GOT THE VEHICLE HOME, CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND ONLY 2" OF FLUID WAS LEFT, CHECKED BRAKE LINES AND FOUND RUSTED OUT PLACES WITH FLUID LEAKING OUT. GOT THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC, SAME ONE THAT REPLACED THE FRONT LINES, HE ADVISED THE SAME PROBLEM, RUSTED OUT LINES. ESTIMATE TO REPLACE REAR LINES $540. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A "FLAW" WITH THAT YEAR TAHOE AND PICK UP TRUCKS. MY QUESTION IS IF THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THIS IS A FLAW WITH THE BRAKE LINES WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL TO HAVE THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED??? IT APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM, NO BRAKES IS NOT A GOOD SITUATION!!!!!!! SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.
THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS FULL OF CONDENSATE AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOOK MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC SHOP FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE AND CORRECT THE ISSUE. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS MANY TAHOE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES.
THE REAR MAIN DEAL WENT BAD IN ALMOST ALL OF THE TRUCKS AND SUVS WITH A 4.8L OR 5.3L ENGINE IN THEM WHERE THE POUR OIL EVERYWHERE AND THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED AN EPA VIOLATION AND A FIRE HAZARD IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP SO WE CAN SAVE LIVES AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 466 owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe are electrical system (185 reports), service brakes (54 reports), engine (22 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.